Winchester City Council has asked for feedback from the local community on potential future uses of the Bar End Depot site.
Forming part of a more expansive engagement process, the Depot site is left vacant and plans were originally approved by the Cabinet in October 2020 but were put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic. Following a marketing strategy during the summer of this year, a list of almost 50 expressions of interest was drawn up. This list will now be assessed in regard to economic, social and financial benefits that they could bring to the area.
At the engagement, the community will have the opportunity to meet members of the team that will be behind he delivery of the project, as well as getting a chance to look at the potential uses for the site. These include:
- Retail outlets, including a convenience store or other outlets
- Different types of homes, including retirement or senior living accommodation
- Light industrial and other employment uses
- Healthcare provision (it would be private but cater for NHS patients)
- Mixed uses
Leader and Cabinet Member for Asset Management at Winchester City Council, Cllr Martin Tod, said:
“We’ve had a very encouraging response from a wide range of partners outlining potential uses for the Depot site. Now we want to hear from local people about the different options so that we can reflect their views in the next stage of the project. We’re particularly keen to hear from people who live or work in Highcliffe, but everyone is very welcome to come along and find out more.”
Once the engagement has concluded, the council will make a decision on a particular type of use. This will then, hopefully, lead to the council bringing a planning application forward within a year to a year and a half of a preferred bidder being selected.
